Platycrater arguta
Family: Hydrangeaceae
What it is like
Platycrater arguta is a deciduous Shrub growing to 1 m (3ft 3in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Humid rocks. Sparse forests or thickets in valleys, stream banks and mountain slopes at elevations of 400 - 1800 metres in Anhui, Fujian, Jiangxi and Zhejiang provinces, China.
E. Asia - China, Japan.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
A tea is made from the leaves.
Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Miscellany: Various medicinal actions that need more clarification.
Other
Rating: 3
A useful and beautiful ground cover plant. An infusion of the leaves is used by Buddhists to wash or baptise statues of the Buddha.
Miscellany: A rag-bag of items that are difficult to categorise.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
Prefers a moist position and some shade. Grows well in a rock garden. Plants are not very hardy in Britain, but they succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country.
Propagating it: Seed - we have no information for this species but suggest surface-sowing the seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Do not allow the compost to dry out. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into their permanent positions in late spring. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8cm taken at a node or with a heel, July/August in a frame. Good percentage. Layering.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade
Moisture: Moist